FAMU Expands Digital Rattler Initiative at Academic Success Summit
Expanded program provides iPads to first-year and new transfer students to support digital fluency and career readiness.
Tallahassee, Fla.— Florida A&M University (FAMU) will launch Digital Rattler Initiative 2.0 during the third annual Strike Forward Academic Success Summit on Saturday, Jan. 31, expanding the University’s digital access program to include all first-year and new transfer students, each of whom will receive an iPad to support digital fluency and career readiness.
Students will receive their iPads this Friday and are encouraged to bring the devices to the summit, where the technology will be integrated into keynote programming and interactive workshops. More than 800 students have registered for the two-day event being held at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Auditorium in the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health.
“As we continue to push the boundaries of excellence at Florida A&M University, the Digital Rattler Initiative 2.0 and the Academic Success Summit serve as bold testaments to our culture of innovation, said Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “By placing industry-leading technology directly into the hands of our first-year and transfer students, we are not just narrowing the digital divide; we are empowering the next generation of Rattlers to graduate as digitally fluent leaders and the primary architects of their professional futures.”
This year, first-year and new transfer students will receive a digital badge through
the campus Suitable app for completing engagement activities during the Strike Forward
Academic Success Summit.
The Strike Forward Academic Success Summit will feature a keynote address by FAMU alumna Imani Jennings, who leads partnership and operational strategy for all of Google’s Code Next labs and virtual spaces. The event also includes interactive workshops led by nationally recognized companies engaged in educational technology for higher learning, including Apple, Adobe, PropelU, and additional industry leaders.
University leaders view the summit as a critical step toward advancing institutional priorities in student achievement, persistence, and graduation. The University’s current academic persistence rate among first-time-in-college students has risen to 98.1%, up 2 points from last year. That student-centered focus is central to the vision guiding the summit.
College Success (SLS 1101) Instructor Domique Bailey assists first-year students with
setting up their iPads during phase one of the Digital Rattler Initiative.
"The Strike Forward Academic Success Summit reflects Florida A&M University’s unwavering
commitment to student achievement, persistence, and timely graduation,” said Jennifer Collins, associate provost for student success.
“By connecting our students with academic leaders, industry partners, and success resources, we are equipping them with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to thrive at FAMU and beyond.”
During the summit, students will have the chance to earn a digital badge recognizing them as “Digitally Equipped. Career Ready” upon completing learning and engagement activities during the interactive workshops.
Digital Rattler Initiative 2.0 and the Strike Forward Academic Success Summit are
coordinated through the Division of Academic Affairs and reflect FAMU’s Boldly Striking
strategy—ensuring every student is supported, empowered, and positioned for long-term
success.
Student explores the learning and productivity apps preloaded on her new iPad.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Success at (850) 412-6597.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
Deidre Williams
Director of Communications
Office of the Provost
Deidre.Williams@famu.edu
